R L J Q, Afro-Cuban Jazz
The CuBop era is Now!

Emerging in 1996 from Columbus/Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, R L J Q blends jazz and afrobeat into a genre-defying sound.

RLJQ is a dynamic Afro-Cuban Jazz quartet based in Ohio. The group is led by the renowned Puerto Rican percussionist and drummer Rolando Matias. RLJQ seamlessly fuses Afro-rhythms with jazz, skillfully maintaining the essence of both genres in their vibrant performances.

Rolando and his ensemble have captivated audiences both nationally and internationally, sharing the stage with Grammy winners such as Brian Lynch, Ray Vega, Bill Summers, Arturo Sandoval, Chucho and Chuchito Valdez, Pascal Bokar, among others.

They have headlined at some of the most prestigious jazz clubs across the United States, including Jazz Alley, Iridium, The Jazz Kitchen, Rusty’s Jazz Cafe, and The Hot House, showcasing their exceptional talent and passion for jazz.

Rolando's releases have garnered critical acclaim, receiving reviews in esteemed publications such as JazzTimes, DownBeat, and Jazziz. Additionally, he has made multiple appearances on BET on Jazz, featuring interviews and performances on Sherry Carter's show, further establishing his presence in the jazz community.

BIO

Latin Percussionist and Leader, Composer, Founder & Business Manager

Hailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Rolando Matias is a distinguished Latin percussionist and vocalist, known for his innovative spirit and artistic vision. Nearly three decades ago, he founded The Afro-Rican Ensemble, which has gained both national and international acclaim under his direction.

As a multi-talented musician, Rolando excels as a Master Percussionist, Afro-Caribbean musicologist, and ethnofolklorist.. His extensive travels across the U.S. have seen him perform with a diverse array of groups, showcasing genres from blues to Latin rock and everything in between.

A self-taught musician, Rolando has seamlessly integrated his formal architectural training into his musical education, always striving for that unique sound. Throughout his journeys, he has sought mentorship from musical greats to refine his techniques. He began his percussion journey at a young age in Cupey Alto, immersing himself in the local "Bembes," where "rumberos" would gather to jam and improvise. “We started with percussion grooves, and pretty soon, a trombone player joined in, followed by a trumpeter; before we knew it, the place was alive with energy. It was an incredible scene,” he recalls.

Rolando's performances range from the playful to the passionate, making him a captivating presence on stage. He has collaborated with notable artists such as Chuchito Valdez, Billy Harper, Benny Maupin, Ndugu Chancler, Azar Lawrence, Othello Molineaux, guitarist Mimmi Fox, percussionists Bobby Matos, Bobby Sanabria, Bill Summers, Greg Abate, Grammy Winners like Ray Vega and David Sanchez, and Lenny Castro. His blues collaborations include legends like Eddie "The Chief" Clearwater, Kenny Neal, Duke Robillard, and Howard Scott, among others. Rolando has also worked with Grammy-winning artists such as David Sanchez, Brazilian reedman Carlos Malta, and the late pianist Roberto Ocasio.

Rolando leads a variety of projects that explore genres from Afro-Latin BeBop to Afro-Latin Hip-Hop. His ensembles includes Rolando Matias & The Afro-Rican Ensemble (Afro-Latin BeBop, Latin-Salsa & Jazz), R L J Q, Afro-Cuban Jazz (Afro-Jazz), and Rolando Matias & Cuba-son (Salsa na ma!!), as well as his innovative project "We Is" which delves into Afro-Latin Hip-Hop and spoken word, reflecting the full spectrum of the Afro-Latino Diaspora.

Rolando Matias is proudly endorsed by Meinl Percussion instruments, utilizing their exceptional range including Congas (Meinl's Wood Craft, Marathon, or Floatunes), Bongos, Cajons, Timbales (Amadito Valdez Signature Series & Luis Conte Signature Series), and an array of hand percussion instruments such as claves, guiros, and maracas. Rolando is a member of the Central Ohio Federation of Musicians, Local #103.

UPCOMING PERFORMACES

Friday, October 10th 7:30 pm two shows
The Jazz Spoon- 610 Northland Blvd, Cincinnati, OH 45240
[The Jazz Spoon] (https://thejazzspoon.com/)

Wednesday, November 12th, 6:00 pm-9:45 pm
The Ginger Rabbit, 17 Buttles Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
[The Ginger Rabbit] (https://www.gingerrabbitjazz.com/)

Thursday, November 13th, 6:00-9:00 pm
Whisperz Speakeasy, 926 Watertower Ln, West Carrollton, OH 45449
[Whisperz Speakeasy] (https://www.thedrinkerys.com/)

Friday, November 14th 7:30 pm two shows
The Jazz Spoon- 610 Northland Blvd, Cincinnati, OH 45240
[The Jazz Spoon] (https://thejazzspoon.com/)

Friday, December 12th, 7:30 pm two shows
The Jazz Spoon- 610 Northland Blvd, Cincinnati, OH 45240
[The Jazz Spoon] (https://thejazzspoon.com/)

Thursday, December 11th, 8:00 pm
Natalie’s Grandview, 945 King Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212
[Natalie’s Grandview] (https://https://nataliesgrandview.com/)

Thursday, December 18th, 6:00-9:00 pm
Whisperz Speakeasy, 926 Watertower Ln, West Carrollton, OH 45449
[Whisperz Speakeasy] (https://www.thedrinkerys.com/)

Saturday, December 20th, 8:00-11:00 pm
Whisperz Speakeasy, 926 Watertower Ln, West Carrollton, OH 45449
[Whisperz Speakeasy] (https://www.thedrinkerys.com/)

Thursday, January 8th, 8:00 pm
Natalie’s Grandview, 945 King Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212
[Natalie’s Grandview] (https://https://nataliesgrandview.com/)

Saturday, January 10th, 8:00 pm-9:30 pm
The Ginger Rabbit, 17 Buttles Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
[The Ginger Rabbit] (https://www.gingerrabbitjazz.com/)

Saturday, January 17th, 8:00-11:00 pm
Whisperz Speakeasy, 926 Watertower Ln, West Carrollton, OH 45449
[Whisperz Speakeasy] (https://www.thedrinkerys.com/)

Friday, January 23rd, 7:30 pm two shows
The Jazz Spoon- 610 Northland Blvd, Cincinnati, OH 45240
[The Jazz Spoon] (https://thejazzspoon.com/)

Tuesday, February 17th, 6:00 pm-9:45 pm
The Ginger Rabbit, 17 Buttles Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
[The Ginger Rabbit] (https://www.gingerrabbitjazz.com/)

Saturday, March 14th 7:30 pm two shows
The Jazz Spoon- 610 Northland Blvd, Cincinnati, OH 45240
[The Jazz Spoon] (https://thejazzspoon.com/)

You can visit out Website at:
R L J Q- Afro-Cuban Jazz